While many holidays are connected to certain regions or religions, Christmas is truly a world wide event. They may not celebrate it like North Americans do?in Finland they spend Christmas Eve at the cemetery, and in Belgium St. Nick has a partner known as Pere Noel?but they do welcome all to join in the merriment.

Make this a Christmas to remember for your family by taking a break from your traditional festivities to experience how another country jingles their bells. Here are several cities that truly get into the Christmas spirit, making them a joy to visit for Christians and non-Christians alike.

Munich, Germany
Germany becomes transformed during December, as Christmas Markets spring up across the country. At Munich's celebrated Christmas market, held in Marienplatz (St. Mary's Square) since the 14th century, you'll find all manner of crafts, sweets, cakes and other delights. Christmas in Munich is also a time for music, when churches echo with carols and Bach's ''Christmas Oratorio'' can be heard throughout town.

Edinburgh, Scotland
Beautiful throughout the year, Scotland's capital becomes magical around Christmastime when winter festivals celebrate with fairground rides, Ferris wheels, outdoor ice rinks, hot food stands and traditional German Christmas markets. Other Christmas events include the Santa Run, Edinburgh's record-breaking attempt for the largest gathering of Santas, the Reindeer Gardens and carol concerts.

Prague, Czech Republic
In Prague, four separate Christmas markets converge in the city center?at Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, Havelske Trziste and Namesti Republiky?filling the air with the sound of Czech carols and the scent of mulled wine. Each market features brightly-colored wooden huts selling local handicrafts, Czech glass, hand-made jewelry, hot food and warm drinks, which you can often enjoy while listening to school children dressed in traditional costume dance and sing for the crowd.

London, England
London hosts many Christmas activities to appeal to millions of revelers. The West End lights up to illuminate shoppers on Oxford and Regent streets; ice-skating rinks appear across town; a massive Norwegian pine is erected in Trafalgar Square; the English National Ballet performs "The Nutcracker" and other favorites at the London Coliseum; there's even an obstacle race around Covent Garden that contestants run while carrying Christmas pudding on a tray!

Sydney, Australia
Christmas on the beach? Why not in Sydney, where the warm summer season makes such beaches as Bondi and Manly prime destinations for a Christmas day family barbeque. Christmastime is also celebrated with a light show projected nightly onto the Town Hall and the annual Carols by Candlelight at the Domain, which concludes with a stirring, hand-holding, candle-raising rendition of "Let There Be Peace On Earth."

You can only ask grandma to visit you so often. One day you'll have to return the favor, which means you have to perform an act so frightening, so terrifying, that the mere suggestion of it sends shivers down the spine of all parents: flying with your toddler.

Cramped seats, squirming kids and angry neighbors can turn a 90-minute flight into the longest day of your life. But fear not! With some careful planning and a little in-flight ingenuity, your flight can turn into a fun, family adventure. Just keep these tips in mind.

Sleepy Time
The best-case scenario is for your child to sleep during the flight. If possible, schedule your flight during his usual nap time. Before you board the plane, give your child a protein-packed meal with little or no sugar?everyone sleeps better with a full belly. Seat her next to the window, and pull the shade down after take-off. Once airborne, before the aisles are filled with drink carts and wandering passengers, go through your child's bedtime routine to encourage the nap. Whatever you do, do not give cold medicine to knock him out, a practice condemned by pediatricians.

Pre-Boarding Play Time
Tire your kid out as much as possible before you board. If an airport has a play area, spend every second you can there. Let her run around empty gates, or simply take long walks up and down the concourse. Let him waddle around while you're in line (use a tether to make sure he doesn't get too far away in the crowded airport). The more energy expended outside the plane the better.

A Seat of Their Own
Kids under two may fly for free, but do you really want a heavy, squiggly baby on your lap for three hours? Buy your child his own seat on the plane?it's the best mental investment you'll ever make. Bring a child restraint system or else your kid may be bouncing all around the seat.

Get Allies Early
Be extra nice to the people around you when you board. Introduce you child and encourage her to play cute baby games like peek-a-boo with nearby passengers so that they'll be more understanding in the event that your child becomes noisy.

The Rule of Plane Snacking
There's only one rule on what to give your toddler to snack on during the flight: no sugar. It's a hard rule to follow considering how sugary snacks are perfectly packaged for travel. Come prepared by bringing grapes, carrots, goldfish crackers, snap peas or raisins.

Keep them Occupied
Pack plenty of activities, like coloring books or travel-sized drawing pads such as an AquaDoodle. Pack new books and toys they have never seen. Bring each item out one at a time, putting the last one away before introducing the next. You may consider wrapping a few toys, which will add to the wonder and take more time to play with.

Standing around an empty baggage claim carousel, waiting for the conveyor belt to lurch forward, is a part of the flying process many dislike. That's why a growing number of passengers are skipping the baggage claim by packing everything they need for their journey into their carry-on bags.

For others who still need to check their larger pieces of luggage, it's a good idea to pack your carry-on as wisely as possible to ensure you have everything you need when you arrive. Here are a few tips to packing the perfect carry-on bag.

Know the Rules
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the final word on what's allowed in your carry-ons, so be sure you know the rules before planning what to bring. This includes following the 3-1-1 rule, which stipulates you can only carry liquids, aerosols and gels (such as toothpaste and shampoo) in nothing larger than three-ounce containers, which should be safely kept inside a one-quart, plastic zip-top bag. Each passenger can bring one, one-quart bag. Check www.tsa.gov for the full list of rules.

Call First
The size (usually 45 cubic inches) and number of carry-ons allowed (generally two per passenger, except during holidays) varies by airline, so visit your airline's Web site or ask us for the details. If you plan to pack everything into your carry-on bags, you may consider buying the maximum-sized bag to take advantage of each allowable inch.

What Goes in First? Everything You Can't Live Without
Just in case you checked bag is lost, it's imperative to pack all essential items into your carry-on, including passport, travel insurance, clearly-labeled medications, list of emergency contacts, address and phone number of your hotel, your travel agent's contact information, an extra change of clothes, small bag of toiletries, glasses or spare contact lenses, cell phone and chargers.

Carry-On Only? Be Ready to Sacrifice
If your goal is to take carry-ons only, then you will need to change the way you think about packing. Forget extra pieces of clothing or that second pair of brown shoes just in case you go dancing. You should take as few, maximum-use items as possible, focusing on those pieces of clothes that mix-and-match well and can possibly transform from day to evening wear. Pick one basic, neutral palate, such as brown or black, and base your entire wardrobe around it. Toss aside any item you planned to bring that can only be worn one way. Yes, you may end up wearing the same outfits twice, but you're on vacation, not on a fashion show runway. Just bring your most comfortable favorites, relax and have a great time.